Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A new study predicts that the Affordable Care Act will increase emergency department reimbursements by 17% for uninsured patients on Medicaid and 39% for those switching to private insurance. This could help reverse a decades-long trend of uncompensated care in ERs.
Researchers at George Washington University found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse more for patients gaining Medicaid or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act. On average, uninsured patients who will be eligible for Medicaid would receive 17% higher reimbursement per visit, while those becomin...
A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...
Healthcare spending in the US is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2012 to 2022, with increased growth expected after 2013 due to expanded health coverage and faster economic growth. The Affordable Care Act is expected to influence this growth, with Medicaid enrollment increasing by 8.7 million people in 2014.
A RAND Corporation study finds that out-of-pocket medical expenses will decrease for most consumers who become newly insured or change their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income people in states without expanding Medicaid may see higher health spending compared to those with expanded Medicaid.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds that over three-quarters of US adults are aware of the ACA's individual mandate, while only four in ten know about new health insurance marketplaces and premium subsidies. Broad support for expanding Medicaid is also evident, with 68% of adults favoring it in their state.
A recent study found that California adults with Medicaid coverage had the largest increase in emergency department visits from 2005 to 2010. This rise may be attributed to decreased access to primary care, which was reflected in higher rates of ambulatory care sensitive conditions among Medicaid patients.
A new survey found that 7.8 million young adults gained new or better coverage through the Affordable Care Act, but millions are at risk of remaining uninsured due to lack of awareness about health insurance marketplaces and Medicaid expansion. Young adults from low- and middle-income households are disproportionately affected.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University's George Loewenstein found that Americans struggle to comprehend traditional health insurance concepts like deductibles and co-insurance. A simplified insurance plan with copays appealed more to consumers, who were better able to compute costs and make informed decisions.
A study published in Spine highlights the increased risk of complications among Medicaid beneficiaries after spinal surgery, even after adjusting for other factors. The researchers found that Medicaid recipients were 68% more likely to experience adverse outcomes than patients with private insurance.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that states choosing not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will face significant financial costs, including $1 billion more in uncompensated care spending and foregone federal payments of $8.4 billion annually. This would leave an additional 3.6 million people without health insurance.
A new study by USC's Glenn Melnick and Katya Fonkych found that California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act led to a significant reduction in hospital prices for uninsured patients. Nearly all hospitals (97%) offered free care to those below the federal poverty line, going beyond the state mandate.
A biennial health insurance survey found that nearly half of all working-age US adults went without health insurance for a time, while 75 million struggled with medical debt. The Affordable Care Act's provisions have helped young adults gain coverage and improve affordability.
A study of over 4 million Veterans Health Administration records found that patients with severe psychosocial dysfunction and medical needs frequently visit the ER. Improved health outcomes may be achieved through increased spending on social services, such as housing subsidies and income supplements.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that expanding Medicaid in Pennsylvania would increase federal revenue by more than $2 billion annually and provide health insurance to 340,000 residents. The expansion would also sustain over 35,000 jobs and boost economic activity by $3 billion.
A new report from The Hastings Center highlights the need to integrate undocumented immigrants into the US healthcare system, as they lack insurance and are ineligible for most federal programs. The report recommends addressing this issue in immigration reform proposals to improve population health, particularly among children and Hisp...
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have selected a benchmark plan to meet the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit requirement. Most selected the largest small-group plan, which will serve as the basis for individual and small-group market plans.
A large US study has found that living in high-poverty areas or being uninsured significantly increase the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing health insurance coverage and poverty levels as key predictors of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.
A new study suggests that consumers select health insurance plans based on both their overall wellness level and anticipated response to having insurance. The research indicates that people with lower behavioral responses to the contract are more likely to opt for high-deductible plans.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found a strong correlation between hospital bed availability and use, even accounting for various factors that may lead to hospitalization. This supports the regulation of hospital beds to align with population health needs.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that requiring premiums for public health insurance coverage can counteract its expansion effects. The Affordable Care Act subsidies play a crucial role in making health insurance more affordable, affecting the number of uninsured individuals.
The Oregon Health Insurance Experiment made a significant impact on health policy by providing critical evidence for policymakers considering Medicaid expansions. The study found that enrollment in Medicaid substantially increased health care use, reduced financial strain, and improved self-reported health and well-being.
Only 11 states and the District of Columbia have implemented key health insurance market reforms under the Affordable Care Act, leaving 39 states vulnerable to limited enforcement. States must take action to ensure compliance with consumer protections, such as bans on denying coverage due to preexisting conditions.
Average employer-sponsored family health insurance plan premiums increased by 62% between 2003 and 2011, rising to $15,022 per year. Employee payments for their share of health insurance premiums also rose by 74%, with deductibles more than doubling.
Consumers with individual insurance policies received $394 million in rebates, while insurers reduced overhead by $560 million. The Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio provision led to improvements in administrative costs and medical loss ratios in the individual market.
A recent analysis of voter polls indicates that most Obama supporters favor implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and want to ensure continued federal efforts to provide health insurance coverage. However, this sentiment contrasts with views from Republican voters, who are more likely to oppose parts of the ACA's implementation.
A new report from USC analysis shows that California has a higher proportion of uninsured children compared to the US. The study found that public health insurance and employer-based coverage have increased, but the gap between these options and private insurance has stalled over the past three years.
A University of Michigan study found that 115,000 women lose their private health insurance every year after divorce, leading to depression for more than two years. Women in moderate-income families face the greatest loss of insurance coverage, while full-time work and education can serve as buffers against losing health insurance.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center reveals that men with employment-contingent health insurance are more likely to feel 'locked' into remaining at work after a health shock, while those on private or spouse's insurance plans face fewer risks. The Affordable Care Act may alleviate this issue, providing ...
Governor Romney's plan would increase uninsured in every state to 72 million, while the Affordable Care Act reduces it to 27 million; children and low- and middle-income Americans particularly affected
The ACA's Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) is providing a temporary coverage option for people with pre-existing health conditions until the new state exchanges are implemented in 2014. State-run high-risk pools, while helpful as a stop-gap measure, are expensive to run and often unaffordable for those who need them.
Mexico has made significant progress towards universal health coverage since 2004, with over 50 million uninsured citizens enrolling in public medical insurance. Key healthcare challenges remain, including disparities in state funding and access to rural areas.
A study of 89 million Americans found that 23 million experienced multiple gaps in coverage, while those with gaps suffered as well as those who remained insured. The researchers highlight the need for stable and affordable insurance to minimize uninsured gaps.
New research from the University of Michigan found that a 10-percentage-point increase in federal matching funds for Medicaid and CHIP is associated with an increase of 1.9 percent in the number of children enrolled in Medicaid nationwide. This translates to approximately 500,000 additional children gaining health insurance coverage.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that being underinsured is a strong predictor of death among patients admitted to hospital with serious cardiac events. The study found that underinsured patients had a higher risk of early death compared to those with private insurance, regardless of their racial background.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries have better access to care and financial protection than adults with private coverage. Only 8% of Medicare beneficiaries rated their insurance as fair or poor, compared to 20% of those with employer insurance and 33% who purchased insurance on their own.
According to the Commonwealth Fund report, 20% of US women were uninsured in 2010, up from 15% in 2000. The Affordable Care Act has helped reduce the uninsured rate among women, with an estimated drop below 14% in states where more than one quarter of women lacked coverage in 2009/10.
Young adults were more likely to gain health insurance or stay on their parents' plans after the Affordable Care Act's passage. Many struggled with medical debt and skipped care due to cost, with those without insurance facing greater challenges.
A study of over 7,500 women found that IUDs and implants were significantly more effective than birth control pills, patches, or rings in preventing unintended pregnancies. The study also showed that educating women about the effectiveness of these methods and providing them for free could reduce unintended pregnancy rates.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that 51% of Americans with individual market health insurance plans have 'tin' plans with poor coverage, which would not meet minimum standards. However, once the state-based exchanges launch in 2014, many will be able to purchase better plans with premium subsidies.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that minor language variations can affect consumers' attitudes towards brands. Consumers tend to feel closer to their bank than insurance company, and using 'we' versus 'you and [the brand]' can impact their perceptions.
A Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly two-thirds of individuals who tried to buy individual health insurance policies found it difficult or impossible to find affordable coverage. The report also shows that longer insurance gaps are linked to lower rates of screening and preventive care, with significant disparities among thos...
A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that consumers nationwide could have received nearly $2 billion in rebates if the Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio rules had been in effect in 2010. This would have resulted from insurers issuing rebates or reducing premiums to meet minimum quality and care standards.
A study found that newly insured and uninsured adults had greater emergency department use than continuously insured adults. Adults with recent changes in health insurance status, particularly those with new Medicaid coverage, were disproportionately likely to use EDs, suggesting reduced access to primary care services.
Massive increases in insurance coverage and inpatient reimbursement have been achieved, especially in rural areas and hospitals, leading to greater equal access to basic health services. However, patients still face catastrophic health expenses, highlighting the need for improved risk protection measures.
The Affordable Care Act may increase convenience for veterans, but also cause fragmentation in care, leading to more emergency department use and hospitalizations. The new insurance options may shift care from VA facilities to private practice physicians, potentially resulting in decreased use of critical services.
During the US economic recession, continuously insured Americans underwent fewer screening colonoscopies due to increased direct out-of-pocket costs. This reduction in screenings was observed across all age groups, with a notable impact on those aged 50-64.
A new study by RAND Corporation concludes that eliminating the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act would sharply decrease health coverage, but not dramatically hike insurance prices. The number of Americans predicted to get coverage in 2016 would drop from 27 million to 15 million if the individual mandate were eliminated.
Researchers found laws permitting young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance until age 26 result in improved access to healthcare. The study analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, comparing periods before and after state laws were enacted.
A RAND Corporation study concludes that few small employers will choose to self-insure or maintain grandfathered plans due to significant financial risk. The analysis found that stricter regulations will be essential to keep premiums affordable in small business insurance exchanges.
The article discusses the importance of risk-adjustment strategies in navigating equitable health-care reform. States establishing health insurance exchanges must allocate funds based on enrollee medical needs to prevent selection bias, which could lead to plan failures or large windfalls.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with interrupted health coverage receive significantly fewer preventive tests and vaccines. Continuous health insurance coverage is essential to ensure timely care, even at reduced-cost safety net clinics.
A Rutgers study found that New Jersey children experienced improved access to dental care between 2001 and 2009, but gaps remain based on race/ethnicity, health insurance status, and family income. Non-Hispanic black children were more likely to receive dental care, while Hispanic and uninsured children had lower rates.
A new study finds that public health insurance is a better option for infants, providing more comprehensive benefits and improving their health despite being drawn from disadvantaged backgrounds. Private insurance, on the other hand, may be detrimental to child health due to negative selection.
Health care coverage in rural China increased dramatically between 1997 and 2006, driven by government interventions. Rural-urban inequality in insurance access decreased significantly during this period, benefiting millions of rural Chinese residents.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that black senior citizens are 26% more likely to undergo riskier surgery and spend more time in the hospital recovering from intestinal surgery. Despite equal health insurance coverage, black patients experience higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs.
Health insurance costs outpaced income growth in every state, with premium increases ranging from 33% in Idaho to 70% in Mississippi. Employees contributed 63% more to premiums while getting less protective coverage, with per-person deductibles doubling over the same period.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
The US health care system scored 64 out of 100 on key measures, with notable improvements in quality of care but significant erosion in access and affordability. The scorecard highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve areas such as adoption and use of health information technology and prevention of premature deaths.
A new report highlights significant disparities in health care access and outcomes among vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a three-pronged policy framework to ensure adequate access, financial protection, and improved coordination of care. This will help reduce rates of preventable hospital admissions ...